Push ads are changing the way advertisers connect with their audience. But what makes these Push notification ads so effective? How can they help improve your campaigns and drive more conversions?
In this article, we’ll break down why Push ads are a must-have, the best formats to use, and simple tips to get the most out of push notification in your campaigns. Let’s get started!
What are Push Ads?
Push ads are simple ads that show up directly on a user’s screen, working on phones, computers, and tablets. They usually have a title, a short message, and an image to grab attention and get clicks.
There are two types: Web Push Notification ads, which need user permission, and In-Page Push ads, which show up on websites without needing approval. In-Page push ads reach more people in your campaigns while keeping the same look as regular notifications.
What does Push advertising include?
Push ads are made of simple elements that work together to catch attention and get users to act in your campaigns:
- Main illustration. A large picture that shows what the offer is about. On mobile, this image is hidden until the user expands the notification.
- Small icon. A smaller picture, often used to explain or support the main image.
- Headline. A short, bold line designed to catch the user’s eye and spark interest immediately.
- Message text. A brief explanation of the offer, giving users the key details they need to decide if they’re interested.
How does Push advertising work?
Push Ads appear as Push Notifications on a web browser or device. First, the user agrees to receive push notifications from a website. Then they start seeing ads in the form of push notifications when they visit that webpage.
This type of ad is effective because viewers almost always notice a Push ad on their webpage or device. It leads to higher conversion rates for advertisers. Users who click on it are led to the page to follow the suggested action, which can be a purchase, download, sign-up, etc.
Are Push Notifications and Push Ads the same?
Push Notifications and Push Ads are not the same, though they share similarities in how they are delivered.
- Push Notifications are updates or reminders sent by apps or websites to their users.
- Push Ads are paid ads sent by ad networks to promote offers to a broader audience.
Here’s the detailed difference:
| Push Notifications | Push Ads | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Keep users updated with reminders or messages. | Promote offers or get people to take action in your campaigns (like buying or signing up). |
| What it includes | Messages about orders, updates, or personal reminders (not ads). | Ads with pictures, titles, and short messages to grab attention. |
| Who sees it | People who already use the app or website. | Anyone targeted by the ad. |
Web Push notifications vs. In-Page Push Ads
Web Push notification ads are clickable ads delivered by a webpage to the subscribers’ device. They appear similar to mobile app push notifications (sent by a mobile app that appears in your notification tray), except that they are delivered via websites rather than apps and can appear on all devices (desktop, mobile, tablet). However, Web Push requires users to subscribe to receive notifications, which limits its reach and effectiveness, especially with restrictions like Google Chrome’s subscription blocks.
In contrast, In-Page Push ads are banner ads disguised as push notifications. Like banner ads, an In-Page Push is displayed directly on the publisher’s site, providing the same high-performance rates as push ads but without its limitations. The key advantages that make them a better alternative:
- No subscription needed. In-Page Push ads don’t require sign-ups, avoiding Chrome blocks and working where Web Push doesn’t.
- Shown when users visit. They only appear when users visit the site, making them less intrusive.
- High engagement. In Page Push ads work just as well as Web Push ads but without the hassle of needing user subscriptions, ensuring reliable results.
- Works everywhere. Compatible with all devices and browsers.
In-Page Push ads generate high-quality audiences that result in clicks and conversions. Advertisers at Adsterra can access all types of CPM, CPC, and CPA traffic through In-Page Push ads.
To Contents ↑Mobile and desktop Push notifications
Mobile push notifications are small pop-up messages sent by a mobile app that can appear on a user’s smartphones even when the app is closed. They are delivered via a push notification service, which is unique to each app platform, such as iOS and Android.
Mobile apps send push notifications to smartphones of users who have installed that app and opted to receive them. Mobile push notifications are typically used to deliver product updates, reminders, personalized offers, breaking news, and any information vital to the app’s functionality and require users’ special attention or quick action.
Desktop push notifications are push notifications that appear on desktop devices, regardless of the operating system.
All push notifications on your device are not always Push ads from businesses. They could be service messages from your OS or messages from apps installed on your phone. As previously stated, the technology used for delivering such notifications differs from that used for Web Push advertising.
To Contents ↑Push Ads advantages
We’ve outlined a few reasons why you should consider push advertising.
1. Better performance and personalized creatives
We’ve already mentioned that Push Ads have a distinct advantage because they look like a standard mobile app push notification and instantly attract the user’s attention. In addition to this unique benefit, you can personalize your push ads with relevant names, locations, holidays, colors, or occasions.
To maximize this advantage, avoid the following common mistakes:
- Creative piracy
There is still significant interest in push notification advertising, so the competition is increasing. Make your own creatives to differentiate yourself from others; do not simply copy what spy tools recommend without any changes.
- Sending too many notifications
The best strategy is to limit yourself to one ad per user daily. Showing ads at a higher frequency at the start can cause your CTR to drop and force you out of the bidding.
- Uploading only one creative
A/B testing is essential for other forms of advertising. Don’t forget to include at least 3-5 creatives for your push ads to identify what performs best.
To Contents ↑2. Total ad placement visibility
Push Ads are always displayed in the user’s center of attention, above other tabs. On smartphones, these ads look like personal alerts from messenger apps like Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp. Your goal here is to make the title memorable because this is the first thing users notice. Be as inventive as possible!
3. Cost-effective
Push Ads are much less expensive than Facebook or other in-app marketing channels. Despite the lack of interest-based targeting, it’s a great way to drive conversions at a low CPA to popular verticals. Furthermore, since push traffic is frequently purchased using the CPC (cost-per-click) model, you won’t overpay for an irrelevant audience.
This benefit makes push advertising a smart choice for both direct advertisers and affiliate marketers looking to scale ad campaigns.
To Contents ↑4. Few bots
Nowadays, advanced ad networks use third-party services to validate push traffic. They prevent fraud or low-quality leads from deceptive websites. As a result, you drive traffic from real users, some of whom have subscribed to receive notifications themselves.
How are Push Ads deployed?
Push ads are a smart way to connect with audiences on their devices. But how does it work?
1. Enabling the notification popups
Publishers enable the “Allow Notifications” popup on their website so that website visitors can subscribe to web push notifications. These notifications ask users if they want to allow web push ads. If they agree, their names are added to a special list.
2. Grouping and segmentation
Then, these lists are grouped based on how long someone has been a subscriber. The more recent a subscription is, the better it is. These subscriber lists are then used to create push traffic sources and sent to the ad network.
3. Advertisers target certain lists
Push Ads can be sent to certain sources based on the advertiser’s choice of targeting. For example, a game publisher like Creative Mobile can choose to target users who agreed to push notifications on a game-themed website 3 months ago. Users who agreed and subscribed in the chosen period will then receive Creative Mobile’s push ads.
The steps we described above apply only to Web Push notifications. In-Page Push does not work like this, since it does not require any subscription from users.
To Contents ↑Best niches for Push advertising
Users who receive Push Ads often can have diverse interests. So we can conclude that Push Ads perform well with various verticals. Here are examples of the most popular niches:
- VPN / Antivirus / Cleaners / Battery Boosters
- Subscriptions
- Sweepstakes
- E-commerce
- Entertainment
- Games
- Finance
- Nutra
- Video streaming
- iGaming
- Social & Dating
- Travel & Hospitality
The two industries that have consistently performed best are E-commerce and Mobile Utility Applications, showcasing their ability to adapt to evolving consumer preferences and technological trends. E-commerce campaigns excel with its data-driven personalization, while Mobile Utility applications campaigns continue to thrive by offering practical, problem-solving solutions. Considering that the list’s verticals are the most lucrative in 2024, you can’t go wrong with them.
Let’s dive deeper into some of these niches and why they’re best suited for Push ads.
To Contents ↑1. VPN and Utility
Online security and privacy have become top priorities as people increasingly rely on the internet for work, entertainment, and shopping. To protect their data and access restricted content, many users now turn to VPNs. Likewise, utility apps like antivirus software remain crucial for ensuring safety and improving device performance.
Many different types of visitors can be used with the vertical, but Push Ads are probably the best for both mobile and desktop campaigns due to their 100% visibility, high CTR, and low traffic cost.
Since smartphones are currently where antivirus software and virtual private networks (VPNs) perform best, there are many practical, creative approaches to mobile advertising.
Choose popular TV shows to encourage viewers to use a VPN to watch them. Use illustrations from the TV-shows as the primary images (if not a subject of copyright.)
To Contents ↑2. E-commerce
The E-commerce vertical is one of the most reliable and long-lasting to promote because consumption never stops. Its consistent demand makes it an ideal choice for advertisers looking for steady performance year-round.
With Adsterra advanced In-Page Push ads (Social Bar), e-shops and shopping apps gain customer traction in a flash. Super-engaging templates of ad creatives make it easier to attract numerous leads and generate app installs.
To Contents ↑3. Mobile games & apps
People use apps for everything to the extent that a breathing reminder app could be necessary. Or even a battery-saving app. Mobile app promotions directly meet consumer demand, which is why utility apps exist, especially those geared toward mobile devices.
4. iGaming and Sports
There are plenty of sporting events all year long, and online iGaming platforms operate continuously, ensuring there’s always something to advertise. Planning your advertising calendar strategically is key; typically, starting to target an event a day or two in advance yields the best results.
If customers want to experience the thrill of gaming, create a sense of urgency to get things moving. But remember that there are always rules and limitations governing these offers, so do your research before launching your campaign to avoid losing money. To dive into the promotion specifics, read this guide to advertising iGaming products.
To Contents ↑5. Sweepstakes / coupon offers
Sweepstakes / coupons and win-an-item offers are typically popular verticals. The most well-known examples include winning an iPhone and receiving a Walmart or Amazon gift card. Due to their direct engagement and non-intrusive yet enticing nature, such offers are particularly successful with Push Ad notifications.
A pre-lander is often included in the conversion flow to request user information. Sometimes only an email address is required, and other times credit card information is preferred. Your sweepstakes Push Ad campaign’s success will depend on the quality of your creatives and landers.
To Contents ↑6. Social & Dating
Push Ads allow for direct communication since the message is addressed to only one person. They’re perfect for private communication, which is what online dating looks like.
Your ability to be creative will come in handy if you want successful conversions with Push Ads for your social campaigns. The Social & Dating ad creatives must be as close to natural communication as possible. We recommend using attractive photographs of real people rather than famous models.
The more similar the push notification is to a message from a real person, the greater the likelihood of conversion. However, you should avoid using photos others have already used.
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To Contents ↑7. Health & Beauty
Promoting offers in this vertical will be profitable as long as people want to continue to be successful, young, and beautiful, which is to say forever. The beauty and health season can keep you busy all year long, just like the sporting calendar can. Not to mention the billion-dollar beauty industry, which constantly changes trends.
In addition to numerous niches, In-Page Push ads are compatible with all GEOs, devices, browsers, and OS. Adsterra will provide multiple high-converting templates that users will never get tired of, yielding massive clicks and conversions for your campaign.
To Contents ↑How to choose your Push Ads traffic source?
You might have the best concepts, deals, niches, creative copy, and essential marketing skills, but if your traffic source isn’t up to the task, you could easily burn through it all.
Select a reliable traffic network that offers high-quality traffic and a track record of effective push advertising campaigns. To find the ideal match for you, you can ask the various questions provided below.
1. Does a traffic source provide push traffic ad formats?
Given how quickly the digital marketing industry is expanding, keeping up with market changes is essential. A traffic source that anticipates market needs and offers its clients cutting-edge solutions is already making the future appear much more promising.
2. How much Push Ads traffic can you expect from a traffic network?
Before joining a particular traffic source/ad network, you must find out the volumes they offer. You should be able to estimate the scope of your campaigns or potential optimization strategies in a quality traffic network that can share that information.
Adsterra’s Traffic Chart shows the average daily impression volume for any geo and target. Traffic Chart is a universal tool for those concerned with campaign launch speed and maximizing reach and spending. Everyone wants to get their share once the hot season begins, so getting past a crowd might require special tactics. Before you start the game, make sure you can play to the end and win!
3. How much would a push traffic campaign with your preferred traffic source cost?
Calculate your spending plan, but don’t forget to account for the testing phase. Consider how long you could run it and how much you could invest in it. While testing traffic, the Adsterra Traffic Estimator might be useful in this situation. Checking the average bid prices for the specified GEOs helps you perform all necessary calculations.
There are a few other considerations besides available volumes, average bid prices, testing phase budget, and duration. Remember that a variety of factors affect the ROI of your push traffic advertising campaign.
To Contents ↑4. What are the ad network’s rules and regulations?
Push ad advertising must adhere to compliance rules, which may be particularly important. Read the traffic source’s compliance rules carefully to understand what is permitted and what is not. It is already a sign of high-quality service when a traffic source takes its laws seriously.
But that’s what a verification procedure is for. Learn about the campaign and account verification process, who approves it, and how it works. Before deciding, you should find out how long it takes to approve your campaign fully.
To Contents ↑5. Is it a reliable source of traffic for push advertising campaigns?
Invest first if you want to earn money. This requires spending money on your advertising budget and partnering with a reliable traffic source; quality always has a cost. However, you can take a few steps to ensure you pick the right service.
Make sure you are familiar with official information first. A traffic source’s complete disclosure and transparency demonstrate that it is reliable and free of any shady tactics. Talk to the representatives of the traffic source next. Remember, it’s not about how cool these guys are anymore; it’s about how helpful they are in increasing the profitability of your push ad campaigns.
To Contents ↑6. Does a push traffic ad network have an easy-to-use platform?
It’s crucial to feel at ease using the tool that could make or break your marketing efforts. You will need tools that are easy to use, intuitive, and user-friendly. It would be great to have an onboarding video to see how the platform looks in advance.
Another factor would be ongoing support; if an ad network looks out for its users both at the outset of the partnership and later on, it is something to consider.
To Contents ↑7. Can a traffic source be integrated with other platforms?
Without a tracking solution, no campaign can be successful. We’ve extensively discussed the value of using a tracker and its benefits for managing your push advertising campaigns. But the key is being able to combine the two tools.
Once you’ve chosen your tracker and your traffic source, confirm that the two can be integrated. You must clearly understand your data to finish your testing phase and optimize your push traffic ads.
To Contents ↑How to choose a Push Ads network?
Choosing the right push ads network is essential to make your campaign successful. Here’s what to look for:
- Ad formats. Pick networks that offer various ad formats, including In-Page Push ads, to reach a wide audience in your campaigns.
- Traffic quality. Go for networks with lots of daily visitors and verified real users to avoid fake traffic.
- Targeting options. Choose networks that let you target GEO, device, operating system, or browser to improve results.
- Pricing models. Check if the network uses CPC (cost-per-click), CPM (cost-per-thousand views), or CPA (cost-per-action) to match the budget of your campaign.
Here’s a quick comparison of some top push ads networks:
| Special Features | Pricing Model | Targeting | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adsterra | Advanced targeting, anti-fraud tools, smart bidding, Expert Partner Care, Traffic estimator | CPC, CPM, CPA | GEO, device, Language, and 17+ |
| PropellerAds | Smart bidding, high traffic volume, 24/7 customer care | CPC, CPM, CPA | GEO, browser, OS, interest |
| Outbrain | Content-focused targeting | CPC | GEO, behavior, interest |
| EvaDav | High-quality native ads, personalized service | CPC, CPM | GEo, Device, Browser, 6+ |
| RichPush | AI-based optimization, 24/7 support | CPC | Connection type, GEO, browser and 12+ |
How to create high-converting Push Ads?
Since every component you need is interchangeable, your creativity is the only restriction. You should follow a few guidelines when designing a fresh push-ads campaign.
1. Use appealing images
Humans are visual beings; we judge based on what we see. Hence, you need appealing illustrations to draw people’s attention.
Your Push ads should have high-quality graphics and icons relevant to the product you’re promoting. For example, when promoting antivirus software, you can use a red exclamation mark to signify a possible danger that the viewer needs to tackle, or a shield symbol signifying protection to the viewer.
The push ad shouldn’t be overly complicated. It better has one image accompanied by a clear title and description. The picture itself shouldn’t contain text, which can distract the viewer from the main call to action.
2. Pay attention to icons
The icon is arguably the most significant component of push ads regarding mobile traffic. It aids user perception of information in advertisements.
The user will only see this image if your campaign runs on a mobile device. The push receives more clicks, the better and more appealing the icon is. The best option for it is a single, large object with no details or black-and-white pictures.
To Contents ↑3. Make the ad title concise
You are using a phone screen to sell things, so keep it brief. Regardless of how proud you are of your recent joke or brand-new metaphor, the title should immediately tell users what you’re offering them in 3 to 4 words.
To Contents ↑4. Use a creative and compelling description
Your ad description is your last opportunity to convert them. Consider this: people drawn to the image would click right away. The title’s catchiness would attract another portion of your potential audience. The only people who will continue reading the description are those who were unimpressed by your previous attempt.
Describe what problem your product solves for the user, i.e., the proposition value. Use words that make the viewer feel they’re missing out on something if they don’t follow your ad, e.g., “Protect your computer from malware,” “Download this VPN to watch movies unrestricted,” “Download our app,” “Claim your free coupon,” “Save 30% off on your first purchase.”
Observe how these titles clearly state the benefit of the advertised product, making viewers more likely to click on it. Always go straight to the point and make viewers feel your product will solve an issue they often encounter or provide rewards.
To Contents ↑5. Use the right colors
When words or an image can’t express something fully, colors can. Specific colors appear to be the ideal choice for push advertisements because they instantly communicate with our brains.
When advertising utility apps, red is perceived as an alert or warning. But in sales ads, red creates a special festive mood. Sometimes it seems safest to always use black and white if you target iOS users: use native colors to advertise utilities and apps. But keep in mind to change your color preferences for special occasions.
Combine red and green for the Christmas holidays, add some gold and silver for the new year, and continue using pastels all spring!
To Contents ↑6. Add emojis (optional)
Adding emojis makes it much simpler to create humorous push ads. But don’t use them excessively. It’s a great idea to use an emoji as the focal point of your image, but keep your copy concise.
Additionally, don’t overlook spying tools; they give you a peek into what your competitors are doing. However, we don’t recommend just copying them because what works for others may not work for you. You can use spying tools for research to improve and surpass your competitors.
To Contents ↑How to set up a Push ad campaign?
Adsterra offers a user-friendly and robust platform for deploying Push ads. You can create high-quality Push ads with Adsterra offers a user-friendly and robust network for deploying Push ads. To get started, you’ll need clear campaign objectives, engaging ad creatives, and a defined budget. With Adsterra, you can create high-quality Push ads with targeting options that include 248 geographical locations (GEOs), web browsers, device types, operating systems, and languages.
Choose from flexible pricing models (CPC, CPM, or CPA) based on your budget and goals. Use Adsterra’s intuitive interface to upload creatives, adjust settings, and test different versions to optimize performance.
With Adsterra’s expert support and advanced tools, creating and managing a successful Push ad campaign is easier than ever. For more information, explore the detailed guide on buying CPC Push traffic.
To Contents ↑Conclusion
Push Ads provide advertisers with a non-intrusive, user-friendly, and extremely engaging way to connect with and grow their audiences. Here are some conclusions to draw from this piece:
Creating a successful campaign from scratch that will bring you profits can be difficult. Before you start making the big bucks, you’ll probably need to conduct a lot of A/B testing to determine which copy and design combination converts the best.
Adsterra follows market trends and demands. With publishers increasing in-page traffic, we can provide advertisers with users in any vertical: Mobile Utility, Carrier Billing, E-commerce, Sweepstakes, iGaming and Entertainment. It doesn’t matter what you’re promoting and with which pricing model; our managers are seasoned ad experts ready to advise on the best strategy.
